The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has rolled out a fresh set of instructions for airlines after the World Health Organization classified the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The aviation regulator said the measures are being implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen India’s preparedness against any possible spread of the virus.
Authorities have identified countries bordering Congo and Uganda, including South Sudan, as high-risk regions for potential transmission.
Airlines told to collect mandatory health declarations
Under the new protocol, airlines operating flights connected directly or indirectly to Uganda and Congo must ensure passengers complete Self Declaration Forms before entering India.
The requirement applies to travelers originating from or transiting through affected regions.
The DGCA has also instructed airlines to make dedicated onboard announcements informing passengers about Ebola symptoms and immediate reporting procedures.
Passengers experiencing fever, weakness, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, skin rashes, or unusual bleeding have been asked to alert cabin crew and report to medical authorities upon arrival.
Officials said early detection remains critical to limiting any possible spread of infection.
New onboard isolation measures for suspected cases
The aviation regulator has issued detailed in-flight procedures in case a passenger shows suspected Ebola symptoms during travel.
According to the guidelines, only one cabin crew member should attend to the affected passenger throughout the journey in order to minimize exposure.
The symptomatic individual must be shifted to the rear section of the aircraft wherever possible.
Airlines have additionally been directed to maintain vacant seating around the passenger by keeping three rows ahead, behind and beside the suspected case empty as far as operationally feasible.
Separate washroom access must also be provided for the individual.
Protective equipment and disinfection have been made compulsory
The updated protocols require airlines to supply masks and protective equipment to both passengers and crew.
Travelers seated near a suspected case must be provided triple-layer masks, while the crew member attending to the passenger must use full Personal Protective Equipment.
Aircraft are also required to undergo complete disinfection immediately after landing.
The operating crew must share detailed information about the suspected passenger with the Airport Health Organization, including seat location, symptoms observed, details of nearby passengers for monitoring over 21 days and the identity of the designated crew caregiver.
DGCA orders airlines to strengthen preparedness
The regulator has also instructed airlines to conduct focused health safety training for cabin crew and operational staff.
Aircraft must now carry enhanced medical and safety supplies, including first aid kits, Universal Precaution Kits compliant with ICAO guidelines, masks, gloves, PPE kits, sanitizers, and biohazard disposal bags.
Government says no Ebola case detected in India
The Center on Monday confirmed that no Ebola infection has been detected in India so far.
J. P. Nadda reviewed the country’s surveillance systems and preparedness measures amid concerns over the outbreak in parts of Africa.
